
Class ni 3^ y^ 



'Z^<^ 



DISCOURSE, 

DELIVERED IN BOSTON;, APRIL 13, 1815;, 



THE DAY OF THANKSGIVING 



APPOINTED BY THE 



PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. 



IN CONSEaUENCE OF THE 



PEACE. 



BY JOHN LATHROP, D. D. 

PA6T0R OF THE SECOND CHURCH IN BOSTON. 



PUBLISHED AT THE REaCEST OP THE HEARERS. 

BOSTON : 

I-ii>LISHED BY J. W. BURDITT. 

1815. 






■%. af W. 

SEP II 1913 



SERMON. 



1st BOOK OF CHONICLES, XVI. 8, 9. 

^^ Give thanJcs unto the Lord, call upon Ms name, 
^^ make knoivn his deeds among the jjeople, Sini^ 
" unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk you of all 
^^ his wondrous works/' 

NEVER, my friends, did we assemble with 
more cheerful hearts to oifer praise and thanksgiving 
to Almighty God, than we do on the present occasion. 
Never have we witnessed joy more universal, tlian 
the joy expressed by the American people at the re- 
turn of peace. This event, like the sun breaking 
from a cloud, hath scattered the darkness which hung 
over our afflicted country, and given new spirits and 
new life to many who were *^ bowed down to the 
dust," and " covered with the shadow of deatli.^' 

On such an occasion, it is highly proper, that peo- 
ple professing the christian religion, do assemble in 
places of worship, and offer p.aise a d thanksgiving 
to Him who ruleth over the nations, and turoetli the 
hearts of the kings, and of the mighty men of the 
earth, as the waters are turned. 



Not only tlje people of our country, but the great- 
est part of tlie christian world, have been in deep af- 
fliction. Modern history presents no period to our 
recollection, in which the miseries of war have been 
more generally felt, than during the last few years ; 
and it is with great pleasure that we hear, peace was no 
sooner restored to tlie bleeding nations of Europe, 
than the temples of the Most High were filled witli 
praises and thanksgivings. 

As the American people were the last to take the 
cup of aifliction, which the Sovereign of the world 
hath caused to pass from one nation to another, so are 
they the last, but, we trust, not the least, in sincere 
and humble gratitude, to the Giver of all mercies, for 
granting salvation to many millions of people, by a 
general peace. 

The text points out to us a course of exercises, 
proper on the present occasion. We are called upon 
by a sense of gratitude ; by a recollection of the bene- 
fits which a merciful God hath bestowed upon us, — 
we are called upon to give thanks, — to worship Him, 
- — to talk of all his wondrous works. 

It would be pleasant, and it would be useful, to 
talk of those wondrous works which proclaim the 
Eternal Power and Godhead ; and which have call- 
ed forth the reverence and love of the wise and good, 
in all parts of the world. By the things which our 
eyes behold, we have convincing evidence, that a 
Being of infinite perfection, presides over the universe, 
and guides all the movements of it, according to his 
pleasure. But on the present occasion, we feel dis- 
pt)scd to talk more particularly of the loving kindness, 
and of the mercy, which God was pleased to show to 



the Fat'iiers of our Country ; — of the protection grant- 
ed to tiiem and their children, in seasons of weakness 
and danger, and when they were exposed to the sav- 
ages of the wilderness, and to other powerful ene- 
mies 5 — -of the wars in which our country has been 
cng.iged ; — of the late war, and of the peace which 
God hath now given to us. — From a review of the 
wondrous works of m'^rcy and goodness, *^ which 
were done in the times of ohl," and which have been 
done in later years, we will endeavour to excite those 
grateful and pious feelings, which alone can render 
our publick expressions of thanksgiving acceptable to 
a gracious Benefactor. 

When we speak of the Fathers of our Country, we 
have respect to those Europeans, who early adven- 
tured to this quarter of the world, and made settle- 
ments in various parts of the extensive region now 
called. The United States of America : but when 
we speak of the Fathers of New England, we have re- 
spect to those protestant christians, who, having been 
oppressed and persecuted by a race of despotick sove- 
reigns, and by an intolerant hierarchy, left " the pla- 
ces of their fathers sepulchres,'' and made the first 
permanent settlements, in the region which we in- 
habit, and which still bears the name of the country 
from whence they emigrated. 

The views of the early adventurers to North Amer- 
ica, even from Columbus in 1492, to the time when 
the pilgrims landed at Plymouth, in 1^0, were ex- 
tremely various. The object of some of them was, 
discovery. — Men best acquainted, in those times, 
with the principles of geography, expected to find a 
passage to India, by the Western Ocean. Others 



^vere excited to the hazardous undertaking, and made 
voyages to this ijuarter of tlie world, with the expecta- 
tion of wealth : reports were spread abroad, that on 
the islands and on the continent there was plenty of 
silver and gold. But it was for the express purpose 
of securing for themselves and for their children, the 
rights of freemen, and more particularly the rights of 
conscience, that the Fathers of New England exchang- 
ed their dwelling places, in a country abounding with 
the means of subsistence, for a wilderness, where 
wants and sufferings were to be expected. 

The first christian pilgrims approached these north- 
ern shores at an inclement season of the year. At 
their landine; thev found no shelter from the cold and 
from the tempest. They were in want of those re- 
freshments which would have been peculiarly grate- 
ful after the fatigues and dangers of a long voyage. 
By reason of the privations and the sufferings^ which 
were unavoidable in their miserable habitations, they 
soon became sickly ; and liefore the opening of the 
spring, forty-five of the one hundred and one, who land- 
ed on the last of the preceding December, Avcre dead. 

Although the first christian pilgrims had been 
brought to this northern region, contrary to their in- 
tention, and contrary to the contract w hich they had 
been careful to make before thev left their native 
country, divine providence seems to have prepared a 
place for them, in which they might plant themselves 
without any immediate opposition. The Indians, 
who had before inhabited the ground on which 
they landed, and tlie wilderness bordering on them, 
were nearly extinct. They had some lime before 
been beaten in bloody wars with other savage nations; 



and, to complete their destruction, an awful pestilence 
had raged among them, sweeping away both the old 
and the young, until it might be said, ^^ The land 
■was left without inhabitants." With great propriety 
we quote and apply, a part of the XLIV. Psaim. 
— ^' We have heard with our ears, O God, our fath- 
'^ ers have told us, what thou didst in their days, in 
'^ the times of old. How tliou didst drive out the 
^' heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them : how 
^^ thou didst afflict the people and cast them out. For 
^^ they got not the Jand in possession by their own 
^* sword, neither did their own arm save them ; but 
" thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy 
*^ countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto 
" them.'^ 

The feeble pilgrims, at the first, had indeed no en- 
emy to oppose them. None of the original lords of 
the soil came to protest against their landing. Tlie 
first visit made them by an Indian, was in the month 
of March. One of the chiefs of a tribe, living at a 
considerable distance, appeared, unexpectedly ; and 
in their own language, wliich lie had imperfectly 
learned from some Europeans, who had before visited 
the country, he addressed them, saying, " Welcome, 
Englishmen ; Welcome, Englishmen !''* 

The fathers of New England were not, however^ 
permitted to continue many years unmolested. The 
tribes of Indians, who inhabited the vast wilderness, 
observing the increase of English settlements, and 

* Holmes's Annals, Vol. i. p. 207. 

Samoset, it may be supposed, obtained some knowledge of the English lan- 
guage from Capt. John Smith and others, who visited this eountry and b€g«n 
a coramevoe with the Indians in the years IGU and 1615. 



8 

hearing of the arrival of new afh eiitiirers, indulj;- 
ed suspicions, that the strangers, who were not only 
spreading along on the sea shore, but were extending 
into the country, would, ere long, compel thera to re- 
linf|uisli the possessions which their fathers had en- 
joyed, from time immemorial. 

Jealousies and apprehensions, such as we have 
now mentioned, were greatly strengthened by the in- 
tercourse which the natives of the wilderness had af- 
terwards with the French, whose settlements were 
progressing in Nova Scotia and in Canada. 

The most dangerous wars in which the fathers of 
New England were engaged, are traced to the sour- 
ces which we have now mentioned. 

Philip, son and successor g( Massasoiet, the histo-. 
rian observes, " could not bear to see the English of 
"New Plymouth, extending their settlements over 
" t!ie dominions of his ancestors ; and although his 
"• father had, at one time or other, conveyed to them 
^' all that they were possessed of, yet he had sense 
^^ enough, to distinguish a free voluntary covenant, 
" from one made under a sort of duresse ; and he 
" could never rest until he brought on the war, which 
" ended in his destruction.'' 

The same historian adds ; ^^ The eastern wars 
" have been caused by the attachment of those Indians 
" to the French, who have taken all opportunities of 
"'^ exciting them to hostilities against the Euglish."* 

During the wars with Philip, and with various 
tribes of Indians, after the death of Philip, assisted 
by the Frencli from Canada and Nova Scotia, the 
New England Colonies, more especially Massachu- 

• IIu(cliliisoii''s Hist. VoJ. i. p. 176 and 283. 



setts and ]N"ew Hampshire, were exposed to gi'eat suf- 
feriu2;s. 

Such was the influence which Philip had over his 
own tribe, and over many other tribes of the savages, 
that he was ahle to send the calamities of war to al- 
most every town in New England. Many innocent 
people were killed while labouring in their fields ; 
many women and children were killed in their hous- 
es ; many were taken and carried into captivity. 
Between the month of June, 1675, when this noted 
warrior began his work of murder and depredation, 
and the montii of August, I676, when he fell in battle, 
many of the towns in this, then colony, which are now 
beautiful and opulent, were visited by savage inva- 
ders, and either in whole, or in part were destroyed, 
I will mention some of them. — BrooJcfield was among 
the first, wholly destroyed ; one house only excepted. 
Deerfield, seven days alter was laid in ashes. Spring- 
iield, partly destroyed. Gvoton, wholly destroyed. 
Lancaster, and Medfield, and Warwick, and Sud- 
bury, and Marlborough, and Chelmsford, and Wey- 
*inouth, and Bridgeivater, and Scituate, and Middle- 
borough, and Plymouth, and several other towns, were 
attacked, and in most cases, some of the inhabitants 
were killed, and some carried into captivity ; and 
many of the buildings left in flames. 

Nor did the work of devastation and murder end 
with the death of Philip.^ Expeditions were made 
from Canada, and from Nova Scotia. Saco, and 
Wells, and York, and Dover, and Berwick, and oth- 
er places, were invaded by French and Indians from 
the east. Many people were killed, and many hous- 
es were destroyed. Several towns, which were de- 
2 

• See Note A: 



w 

stroyed in the time of Philip'S war, were again vis- 
ited and destroyed by parties of French from Canada, 
and the Indians v/ho united with them. So late as' 
1704^, Deerjield was again invaded and jjurnt ; many 
of the people were killed, and their minister, llev. 
Mr. Wllliains was carried into captivity. And four 
years after, Haverhill was attacked, and in part burnt ; 
Kev. Mr. Rolfe the minister of the town, and thir- 
ty or forty of the people were killed. 

During the long reign of Lewis XIV. king of 
France, great exertions were made by that monarch 
to gain an ascendency over the powerful kingdoms of 
Europe, and, in the end, make all the nations of the 
world bow to his authority. He found the English 
were making settleriients on the atlantick coasts, and 
rapidly extending their borders into a country capa- 
ble of high cultivation, and promising a lucrative 
commerce. He, too, had colonies in North America ; 
bnt he had an impression, that his colonies would be 
of but little advantage to liim, unless he could pre- 
vent the growth, and the commerce of the English col- 
onies : his ambition, therefore, put him on devising 
means, wliich, if fully executed, would not only have 
prevented the growth of the English colonies, but 
eventually, would have extirpated them. We find a 
plan for the purpose now mentioned, adopted by the 
court of France, as early as 1687.* 

The French project, to obtain, and to hold the dc 
minion of all North America, was simple, while it 
was deep. It was to secure the great rivers at the 
north east, and at the south west, viz. the St. Law- 
lence, and the Missisippi, as well as the inland seas, 

• IIolmes'3 Annals. Vol. i. p. 47?. 



11 

which complete the line of water communication, and 
which give facility to an immense commerce. They 
very well knew, that the power, which shall be alile 
to command on those waters, will be able to command 
and to direct the numerous tribes of savages who inhab- 
it the vast wilderness between the English colonies, 
and the French settlements. To carry this plan into 
effect, we find the French exploring the waters of the 
Missisippi, in the year 1687. Some years after, we 
hear of them making settlements on the borders of 
that river. We hear of them erecting forts, at the 
most commanding places, near the lakes, and other 
navigable waters at the west ; and at the same time, 
making unreasonable demands of territory at the east.* 

Having thus prepared, the French lost no time in 
attempting to carry their plan into execution. They 
availed themselves of the jealousies which already 
existed in the minds of many of the native Indians, 
that the English would take from them their hunting 
grounds, and destroy them. In this state of jealousy 
and irritation, they were excited to deeds of savage 
cruelty. They not only invaded the frontier settle- 
ments, and penetrated the country, laying waste and 
destroying, as has been already related ; but formi- 
dable fleets were sent to attack the whole extent of 
sea coast. In 1697, the historian informs us, " an 
" invasion was every day expected for several weeks 
^^ together ; and news was brought to Boston, that a 
*^ formidable French fleet had been seen upon the 
" coast." 

The reality of a plan to destroy the English colo- 
nies, and particularly New England, is stated by 

* As far as the river Kennebeck. Hutchinson's History of Massachu- 
setts. Vol. ij. p. 111. 



IS 

Charlevoix, in the account given by hira, of the above 
mentioned expedition. A powerful army from Can- 
ada, was to meet a fleet from France early in the sea- 
son at Penobscot ; and, " as soon as the junction 
" was made, and the troops embarked, the fleet, with- 
*^ out loss of time, was to go to Boston, and that town 
^^ being taken, it was to range the coast, — destroying 
" the settlements as far iuto the country as tliey 
*^ could''.* — This projected expedition, had it been 
executed, might have been fatal to our country ; but, 
by reason of contrary winds, the fleet did not arrive 
in season, and the plan was frustrated. 

Another projected invasion is within the recollec- 
tion of .some of us. The elderly people ha,ve not yet 
forgotten their fears and apprehensions, when the 
strong force under the Duke D^Anville, was expected 
in this harbour ; nor have they lost a remembrance 
of the joy they felt, when that fleet was scattered, and 
many ships were destroyed by the winds and the 
waves. 

Such of us, as are advanced in life, remember our 
fears, during a course of years, while the French sur- 
rounded us, except on the atlantick ; and on that 
side also, they Avere threatening to invade us : — when 
our armies were defeated, which were sent to protect 
the frontiers ; when the young TVashington found it 
necessary to capitulate. | Washington, who, about 
fourteen months after, by skill and bravery, saved tlie 
broken remains of an army, late commanded by Gen- 
eral Braddock ; and who, by the providence of God, 
was preserved to be the Saviour of his Country. 

• Hutchiuson's Hist. V. ii. p. 102, f Holmes's Annals, V. ii. p. 199. 



IS 

But I will weary you no longer with the sad detail 
of wars, in which the Fathers of New England suffer- 
ed from the French and the savages of the wilderness. 
In short, they had but little rest from the time of Phil- 
ifs war, until Quebeck was taken by the immortal 
Wolfe, and the Avhole country Avas ceded to Great 
Britain in 17G3. 

Having tallK^d as long perhaps as may be proper, 
of the mercy which God was pleased to show to the 
Fathers of our Country ; and of the protection granted 
to them and to their children in seasons of weakness and 
danger, and when exposed to the savages of the wilder- 
ness, and to other powerful enemies ; we are prepared 
to talk of like protection and favours granted to the 
American people in later times : — of their dangers and 
sufferings during a severe conflict for the security of 
their most important interests ; a conflict which termi- 
nated in the establishment of a new state of thinsrs in 
this quarter of the world, — a new empire, which, in 
process of time will probably be equal in extent, in 
power, and in wealth, to any nation in the world. 
But should we talk of the revolutionary war, — of the 
causes which produced it, — of its progress and im- 
portant events ; and of the honourable terms of peace, 
obtained by the plenipotentiaries of the United States 
at Paris in 1783, our discourse would not only be un- 
reasonably long, but we should have no time left, to 
talk of the late war, in which our country' has been 
engaged,- — of the peace which is again restored to us ; 
and to indulge in pleasing anticipation, the comforts 
and blessings which, not only the American people, 
])ut, we hope, the world may enjoy, in a state of tran- 
quillity. 



14 

As the events of that ^^ ar which procured the iiide- 
peiideiice and the sovereignty of tiie United States of 
America are Avitliin the recollection of such of you as 
have passed a little over the middle of life ; and thci 
history of it is in almost every family, I shall omit any 
farther conversation with respect to it, and go on to 
talk of the late war, and of the peace, which we on 
this day celebrate. 

It would certainly he attended with very little 
pleasure, and probably witli very little profit, now that 
the war is ended, to talk much about the reasons as- 
signed for it when it was proclaimed, or of the impor- 
tant objects which were to be secured by it. We re- 
member t!ie many unpleasant feelings occasioned by 
the contentions of men of diifercnt opinions, concern- 
ing the origin, and the manner in which the late war 
was conducted. We hope such uncomfortable feel- 
ings may now wholly subside, and that no restless 
people among us, may hereafter, by rash speeches, or 
inflammatory publications, again revive them. Al- 
though we have not yet learned that the objects for 
which the late war was declared, have been obtained 
or secured, w^e rejoice that the conflict is at an end. 
We do sincerely rejoice at the return of peace. We 
will therefore talk of the wondrous goodness of God, 
both in conducting the American people through the 
war, and in giving the rulers of the late contending 
nations pacifick dispositions. 

Should the peace continue, whicli is now establish- 
ed among the christian nations of the earth, opportu- 
nities will offer for the execution of the most benevo- 
lent purposes of the human heart. A state of peace 
is- favourable to the propagation of the gospel,-— to the 



15 

advancement of science and all the useftil arts, — to 
commerce; — to every thing whicii gives true dignity 
to man^ and tends to qualify him for the rank whielt 
he is designed to hold in creation. 

Divine Providence seems to have been ])reparin?; 
the way for the spread of truth, and the farther estab- 
lishment of the kingdom of Clirist. That Being who 
superintends the changes and revolutions which take 
place among the nations of the world, will always 
bring good out of apparent evil ; and therefore while 
we mourn over the late sufferings of a great portion of 
our fellow men on the continent of Europe, we find 
consoLation in the belief, that good will result from 
those sufferings. 

In the dark ages of ignorance and superstition, 
when the religion of Jesus was awfully corrupted, 
and civil liberty was poorly understood, combinations 
were formed by the rulers of the church, and by tlie 
princes of this world, to support each other in the 
most shameful acts of tyranny and oppression. Al- 
though much had been done at the time of the refor- 
mation, and at succeeding periods, to lessen the pow- 
er, which kings and priests had usurped over the 
worldly estates, and over the spiritual concerns of the 
people, much remained to be done. Bigotry and su- 
perstition may still bluster and threaten, but they can 
no longer hold the minds of a great part of mankind 
in bondage ; they can no longer prevent free inquiry. 
Such is the power of truth, that it will prevail. 
" ]VIany shall run to and fro ; and knowledge shall 
increase." 

At no period since the great opposition to popery 
by Lxither, and the reformers who followed after him. 



1(> 

have ehristiaiis of all (.Icnomliiaiions been so well iiiii. 
ted, as they are at the present liiiie in laudable en- 
deavours to extend tlie knoAvledge of salvation. 
Within a few years, societies have been formed in 
England and in various parts of Europe, consisting 
of members of great respectability, having for their 
object " the distribution of the Bible.-' Societies for 
the same purpose have been recently formed in the 
principal cities and towns in Nortli xVmerica. The. 
wonderful union of christians of all denominations, 
and of all orders of people, from the highest to the 
lowest, in this noble work of charity, alTords the high- 
est encouragement to the friends of Zion, and is, we 
trust, a presage of that happy condition of the world, 
which we are taught to expect, Avhen '^ All shall 
know the Lord.*' 

As the most benevolent purposes of God are brought 
to pass, by means adapted to the ends which are to 
lie accomplished, wise observers may perceive a fit- 
ness in the means, and in the workings of Providence, 
to accomplish such purposes. If there is to be a 
time, when " the earth shall be full of the knowledge 
of the Lord,'* we shall have reason to think, God is 
preparing tlie way for a condition so desirable, when 
kings and mighty men, — when high and low, — when 
christians of every creed, and of every mode of wor- 
ship, unite their labours and good wishes to extend 
the only effectual means of religious knowledge to all 
countries, and to all regions. 

There arc other circumstances in the present state 
of the civilized nations of tlie earth, favourable to the 
propagation of trutli, which have not heretofore exist- 
ed to the extent in which thev now exist. Civil lib- 



i7 

erty, and tlie rights of conscience, are better under- 
stood, and will no doubt, be more respected, than 
heretofore. Well informed christians have more 
moderation, more candour, more charity for one anoth- 
er, although still differing in opinions, and in modes 
of worship, than have been exercised at any former 
period, since the church and the world were united, 
for the support of each other. 

Under circumstances such as we have now men- 
tioned, and on wliich we might enlarge with great 
pleasure would the time admit, under such circum- 
stances, aided by peace, and by the intercourse now 
opened, and more widely opening among the different 
nations of the world, we indulge a pleasing hope, that 
the gospel shall be carried to every part of the globe ; 
that the light of divine truth shall be as extensive as 
the light of the sun ; and " people of all kindreds, 
and tongues, and nations, shall w alk in the light.'' 

The peace which we this day celebrate has opened 
the American ports, not only to the nation with which 
Ave have been at war, but to a great part of the nations 
of the world. The commerce of our country, which 
had been languishing until there was scarcely an ap- 
pearance of life, hath sprung up at the voice of peace, 
and is beginning to assume its wonted cheerful ap- 
pearance. We again hear the noise of the axe and 
the hammer. " Zebulon is beginning to rejoice in his 
'^ going out, and Issachar in his tents." 

Peace is highly favourable to science, to the use- 
ful arts, to agriculture, and to all the social connex- 
ions of life. In a time of Avar the mind is disturbed 5 
the thoughts are divided ; it ijs impossible to give 

3 



IS 

that application to study, which is necessary to the 
acquirement of extensive knowledge. 

In a time of war, multitudes are called from their 
usual occupations, and from domestick enjoyments, 
exposed to privations, to dangers, and to death. 
War is an evil ; a judgment which God inflicts on 
the sinful nations of the earth. During the late war, 
our nation has suifered a variety of evils. Many 
lives have been lost. Vast property has been taken, 
and carried away, or destroyed on the seas : vast 
sums liave been expended, and a vast debt hath been 
contracted. Towns have been invaded, — villages 
have been burnt, — the capitol has been laid in ashes. 
We are glad to set down in peace, under circumstan- 
ces, no doubt, less eligible, than the friends and sup» 
porters of the war expected. We have reason to be 
thankful that our sufferings have not been greater : — 
that the conflict was no longer continued. 

Truly we may say, *^ If it had not been that the 
Lord was on our side,'' when a powerful enemy in- 
vaded our coasts, — " if it had not been that the Lord 
Avas on our side," v»^hen men of renown, of uncommon 
strength and skill in war, and men accustomed to 
conquer by sea and by land, — ^^ if it had not been 
tliat the Lord was on our side,'' when such men 
with powerful fleets and powerful armies came 
against us, — " then they had swallowed us up 
•* quick, when their wrath was kindled against us ! 
^- then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream 
^* had gone over our soul. Then the proud waters 
" had gone over our soul. Blessed be the Lord who 
'*'^' hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our 
" soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the 
^•' foAvlers : the snare is broken and we are escaped.'' 



19 

In a review of the wondrous works of God, as they 
relate to the fathers of our country, and to their chil- 
dren, and their children's children, to the fifth and the 
sixth s;eneration, we see many things whicli call for 
our gratitude, and many things which call for sober 
reflection and humiliation. Towards the American 
people, while they were under the government of 
Great Britain, and since they have been free and in- 
dependent states, the dispensations of Providence 
have been merciful, and they have been afflic- 
tive. As the children of Israel were marvellous- 
ly protected when they went out of the land of Egypt, 
but were afterwards corrected for their faults, and 
grievously afflicted ; so were our fathers protected ; 
but the first generation had not passed away, before 
the heathen brake in upon them, and they were af- 
flicted. 

The history of our country, is a history of its pros- 
perities, and of its adversities ; of its happiness in 
times of peace, and of its suiferings in seasons of 
war. 

On this day, we are invited by the supreme Mag- 
istrate of the United States, to assemble in our place 
of worship, and unite our hearts and our voices, ''• in 
^^ a free will offering," of thanksgiving and praise to 
our Heavenly Benefactor for his great goodness, man- 
ifested in restoring to us " the blessings of peace." 
'' No people," the president observes in his procla- 
mation, <^ No people ought to feel greater obligations 
" to celebrate the goodness of the Great Disposer of 
^^ all events, and of the destiny of nations, than the 
" people of the Uuited States. His kind Providence 
" originally conducted them to one of tiie best per- 



m 

^ tions of the dwelling place allowed for the great 

* family of the human race. He protected and cher- 
^ ished them, under all the difficulties and trials to 
^ which they were exposed in their early days. Under 
^ his fostering care, their hahits, their sentiments, and 

their pursuits, prepared them for a transition, in due 

* time, to a state of independence and self-govern- 
^ ment. In the arduous struggle by which it was at- 
' tained, they were distinguished by multiplied to- 
^ kens of his benign interposition. And to the same 
^ Divine Author of every good and perfect gift, we 
^ are indebted for all the privileges and advantages, 
^ religious as well as civil, which are so richly enjoy- 
^ ed in this favoured land.'' 

While making our offering of thanksgiving and 
praise to Almighty God, for the peace which he hath 
been pleased to ordain for us, many circumstances 
occur to our minds, which render the event which we 
now celebrate, peculiarly grateful, and which call for 
the exercise of our best affections. 

Had the war continued another season, it would 
have become more fierce and cruel. A disposition to 
'plunder, and to retaliate injuries, on both sides, had 
been for some time increasing, and we have reason to 
fear, that a continuance of the war would not only 
have afforded opportunities, but excitements to still 
more sliocking deeds ; in which, not only men in 
arms, but unoffending citizens in the peaceful walks 
of life, would have been subjected to inexpressible 
sufferings. 

Had the war continued another season, the forces 
of the enemy in the Canadas, on the lakes, and on 
our sea coasts, would have been greatly increased : 



SI 

much greater exertions therefore would have been re- 
quired on the part of the United States. AVhat ways 
and means could have been devised for the support of 
such armies as must have been called out to defend 
an extensive sea coast, and an equally extensive fron- 
tier, those publick men may, perhaps, be able to say, 
who had the management of the finances during the 
two last seasons. 

Had the Avar continued, multitudes must have been 
called from tlie fields of husbandry, from manufactur- 
ing establishments, and other useful and necessary 
employments, and hurried away to exposed parts of 
the country, to suffer in camps and to die in battle. 

Had the war continued, the spring would have 
opened upon us with gloomy forebodings. In the 
winter season, the ice and the snow were our best de- 
fence. With the returning sun, our fears would have 
returned : the increase of day, would have increased 
our apprehensions. But with the peace, which God 
in mercy hath granted us, the whole scene of things 
is changed. We hail each lengthening day with the 
smile of cheerfulness. We behold the vernal skies, 
and we receive the vernal showers, with unmingled 
pleasure. '^ We will now give thanks unto the Lord ; 
" we will call upon his name ; we will make known 
" his deeds among the people ; we will sing unto him ; 
" we will sing psalms unto him ; we will talk of all 
" his wondrous works." 

That our offering of thanksgiving and praise, may 
be acceptable to God, let it be accompanied with kind 
affection towards all our fellow citizens, and towards 
the people whom we lately considered as our en- 
emies. 



^' Whatever diflereiices of opinion may have exist- 
^^ ed," witli respect to the origin of the late war, or 
any of the measures in wliich it hath been conducted, 
all now rejoice, in that the conflict is at an end. '^ All 
'^ good citizens will unite in providing still farther for 
*^ our external security, as well as internal prosperity 
^* and happiness, by fidelity to the union, by reverence 
^^ for the laws, by discountenancing all local and oth- 
^^ er prejudices, and by promoting every where, the 
" concord and brotherly affection becoming members 
^^ of one great political family."* 

As we are again at peace with the government and 
people of Great Britain, let us suppress, as much as 
possible, the feelings of resentment which are apt to 
rise from a recollection of sufferings and injuries. 
The brave are always generous : they are the first 
to forgive and forget. If we have suffered, our ene- 
my too has suffered. Let the balm of peace now heal 
every wound. If the scar remain, lest us be careful, 
lest hy fretting, the blood be made again to appear. 

As the brave are always generous, the brave will 
never exult, when a powerful enemy has been beaten. 
We are to remember, the race is not ahvays to the 
swift, nor is the battle always to the strong. While 
the American arms have, without question, secured 
immortal fame, it must be confessed that little else 
Las been secured, for the United States, by a vast ex- 
pense in blood and treasure, f 

It is now devoutly to be wished, that all ill will, 
and all party spirit may be put away. Why should 
party spirit and party feelings continue, when, it is 

• See Noie B. t Sec Note C; 



presumed, there can now be no foreign influence to 
support a party ? Wliatever there may have bi;en in 
times past, at present tliere can be no particular at- 
tachments to foreign nations, to influence American 
citizens. If any internal contentions be kept alive, 
they must be such as are found to a certain degree, in 
all elective governments : a contention for power, fur 
places, — for " the loaves and fishes." A man surely 
can have very little modesty, who geeks for honours 
and preferments which tlie publick is not willing to 
give him. In an uncorrupted state of society, men 
will not be seen making interest for places of honour 
and profit. Men well known to be qualified, men of 
approved integrity and uprightness, will be sought 
for, and solicited^ to accept oiSces of high responsibil- 
ity. God grant that we may live to see a return of 
something like that golden age of purity and simpli- 
city, which our country once enjoyed ! 

My beloved people, although I have now talked 
with you a long time, I feel unwilling to close my 
discourse, without offering my very particular, and 
most affectionate congratulations, on the present 
joyous occasion. On a like occasion I once before 
addressed some of you. The peace of 1783, after a 
severe contest for independence and sovereignty, was 
a glorious peace. It is to the highest degree improb- 
able, that I shall again, at any future time, address 
you on a similar occasion ; or, on any political sub- 
ject. Four seasons of distressing warfare are within 
my recollection. The war of 1745, the war of 17i5o, 
the war of 1775? and the late war declared on the 
part of the United States June 18, 1813. I have 
seen important changes; and revolutions in my own 



/ 



24 

country, and among the nations of the world. 1 have 
seen one generation pass away, and another genera- 
tion come forward. I have seen a nation rise up in 
this quarter of the world, powerful in men and in 
arms, and taking rank among the other nations of the 
earth. Such changes I have seen ; but my days of 
vision on earth are drawing to an end. My country, 
now at peace, I hope will continue in peace long, very 
long after it shall please God to take me to that 
^^ better country," where wars afe unknown. 

My heart's desire and prayer has been for the pros- 
perity and peace of our Jerusalem. May those al- 
ways prosper who seek her peace ! 

It was for the love which I had for my country ; — 
the country in which I was born — in whicli my 
friends live — in which the people live with whom I 
am connected by ties which have made, and which 
still make my abode pleasant to me ; for the love 
which I had, and which J still have for this country, 
I have discoursed to you several times on its rights 
and its liberties — on its dangers and its sufferings, 
I have rejoiced with my country when in prosperity ; 
and mourned when in adversity. As the comforts 
which we enjoy in the peace and prosperity of our 
country, arc as truly the gifts of God, as the comforts 
which we hope to enjoy in a future life, we should be 
unjust to ourselves, and ungrateful to our heavenly 
Benefactor, did we not endeavour to defend and se- 
cure them, when men of violence attempt to take 
them away from us : I therefore thoiiglit, and still 
think, it was my duty to give warning wlien the im- 
portant interests of ray country appeared to be iu dan- 
ger. When tiiose important iuteresls were actually 



S5 

invaded, 1 thought, and still think, it was my duty 
to say and to do what I was able, to support them. 
In this I thought, and still think, I had great and 
good examples, in the prophets and apostles. Jesus 
Christ also, with the perfect feelings of a pe rfect man, 
loved his country, and wept over its capital, when he 
knew its destruction was approaching. In my youth 
I was taught to regard civil and religious liberty, 
with a kind of reverential respect. That sort of de- 
votion I strengthened afterwards, by reading and med- 
itation ; nor do I perceive that my attachment to 
those objects of my early affection, has in any meas- 
ure abated now I am old. 

For the full enjoyment of civil and religious liber- 
ty, together with the inestimable blessings connected 
with them, the fathers of New England exchanged 
the wealth and the accommodations of their native 
country, for the poverty and the sufferings of a wil- 
derness. I pray God, the offspring of those excellent 
men, may never suffer their birth-rights to be taken 
from them. 

I rejoice that my country is again at peace with the 
government and people of Great Britain ; a people 
of high spirits and somewhat vindictive ; but a peo- 
ple possessing many strong virtues. A people, who, 
with all tlieir faults, have done more to encourage 
useful institutions, and to send the true knowledge of 
salvation to the dark parts of the earth, than any otli- 
er nation, and I may say, than all the other nations 
in the world. It would be unjust, and base, and 
wicked, to impute to the present inhabitants of Great 
Britain, the bigotry and the persecuting spirit of their 
§reat grandfathers. 

3 



\ 



S6 

I rejoice that the world is again at peace. The 
temple of Janus Is again shut. Tlie earth is at rest. 
God grant that henceforth the only contest may be, 
Avlio shall do most to enlighten the ignorant ; who 
shall do most to reform the guilty ; and, to use the 
words of the great Washington, the beloved father 
of our country, with whose words I conclude, — who 
shall do most ^^ to make our neigh]>ours and fellow 
" men as happy, as their frail conditions and perish^ 
•^ ing natures will permit them to be.''- 



• A letter, dated at Mount Venion June 22, 1'88. See Note D. 



NOTES. 

Note A. See page 9. 

Some persons who lieard the discourse, expressed tlieir surprise 
that tills ludiau -wanior should be known by an English name. 
We have an explanation in Hutchinsoiis Historj' of Massachusetts. 
Vol. 1st. p. 276. 

After the Indians became acquainted with the Europeans who 
had settled among them, " they were fond of having names given 
" to thera," " In 1 6G2, when Massasoiefs two sons were at Pli- 
" mouth, the governor gave them their English names." To JVam- 
svtta, the eldest son of Massasoiet, governor Prince gave the Eng- 
lish name Alexander : to the second son, whose Indian name w^as 
Metacmh, the governor gave the English name, Philip. 

In NeaVs History of New England, Philip is said to be '^ grand- 
" son of old Massasoiet" " He was a bold and daring prince, hav- 
" iog all the pride, fierceness, and auelty of a savage." NeaFs 
Hist. Vol. II. p. 23. 

The wonderful destruction of the Indians by Avars and sickness, 
before the arrival of the fathers of New England, is related by Mr. 
Gookin. See Historical Collections, Vol 1st. p. 1 48. Morton's 
New England's Memorial, p. 37, 38. Prince's Chronology, p. 69. 

Note B. See p. 22. 

The quotation to wliicli this note has relation, is made from the 
President's excellent Answer to the " Tribute of Respect,'' or " Con- 
" gratulatory Address of the Republican members of both branch- 
" es of the Legislature of Massachusetts, and other citizens," which 
" was voted to be communicated to the President, on the restoration 
of peace." Feb. 23, 1815. 

Note C. See p. 22. 

Hon. William Gaston, member of congress from North Carolina, 
in his circular letter dated at Washington, March 1, 1815, writes 
thus : " Some time must yet elapse before we ascertain with certain- 
" ty the addition the war has made to our publick debt. Claims 
" are even now brought before congress which had their origin in 
" the war of the revolution ; and this which has just past, short as 






28 

*' was its contiDuauce, has given rise to many more than our rcvolu- 
" tionary struggle.'"'' 

Hon. Cyrus King, member of congress from Massachusetts, in a 
speech delivered Feb. 27, 1815, states the loss of men, — "brave 
** Americans," 30,000. And the amount of treasures sacrificed, 
"150,000,000." 

Note D. See p. 26. 

As the words of Washington are words of wisdom, the reader 
will be gratified by having a few more from the letter quoted at the 
cud of the discourse. 

— " I observe with singular satisfaction, the cases in which your 
'* benevolent institution," (the Massachusetts Humane Society,) 
*' has been instrumental in recalling some of our fellow creatures, 
" as it were, from beyond the gates of eternity, and has given occa- 
" sion for the hearts of parents and friends to leap for joy. The 
'' provisions made for shipwrecked mariners is also highly estimable 
•' in the view of every philanthropic mind, and greatly consolator}' 
'' to that sufteriug part of the community. These things will draw 
" upon you the blessings of those who were ready to perish. These 
*' works of charity and good will towards men, reflect, in my estima- 
*' tion, great lustre upon the authors, and presage an era of still far- 
" ther improvements. IIoav pitiful, in the eye of i^eason and relig- 
" ion, is that false ambition which desolates the world with fire and 
" sword for the purposes of conquest and fame ; Avhen compared to 
" the milder virtues of making our neighbours and our fellow men, 
" as happy, as their frail conditions and perishable natures permit 
" them to be ! 

Now the writer of the above almost divine sentences is no more 
among the living, we may exclaim, " How pitiful in the eye of reason 
" and religion," are the heroes of antiquity, — the Alexanders and the 
Ccesars, the Po7npies, the Charleses, the Ecbvardst the Henries, and 
all who have " desolated the world with fire and sAvord for the pur- 
'' poses of conquest and fame, when compared" with Washington, 
who fought only for the liberlics and the safety of his country ; and 
having accomplislied the great o))jects for which he drew his sword, 
returned to private life ! 



BD'19 



